Jaranwala, Punjab: A 6-year-old Christian girl, Shumaya Saleem, was brutally raped by her teacher’s brother in Jaranwala. The attacker fled, but was arrested by police. Threatened by the attacker’s family to settle the matter, Shumaya’s family relocated for safety. The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) would like to provide legal support and we stand in solidarity with the family.

On 10th December, Shumaya Saleem, a 6-year-old Christian girl, was assaulted by Muhammad Uzair (19 yrs) in Jaranwala. Shumaya had gone to the home of Miss Siffat (24 yrs), her extra-tuition teacher and the sister of Muhammad Uzair, for additional lessons in English, Maths, and Urdu. After the session ended, Muhammad Uzair took Shumaya into his living room located within the residential portion of the school premises and sexually assaulted her.

Shumaya usually returned home around 3:15 pm after her tuition class, but on 10th December, when she had not returned by 3:30 pm, her mother, Kalsoom Bibi (36 yrs), became anxious. She and Shumaya’s uncle, Arif Masih, went to the school to investigate. As they entered the building, they heard a girl screaming. Kalsoom immediately recognized Shumaya’s voice and, together with her brother, rushed into the living room of Muhammad Uzair, where he was raping her. Shumaya was drenched in blood and screaming in pain. Muhammad Uzair fled the scene but was later arrested by police.

Her uncle immediately called the emergency helpline 15. Police arrived within 10 minutes and took Shumaya to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for emergency treatment. The City Police Station Jaranwala registered an FIR (No. 2015/25) under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The forensic team collected blood-stained clothes and other evidence, and Muhammad Uzair was sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for DNA analysis.

Following the attack, the family of the perpetrator pressured Shumaya’s family to compromise, forcing them to relocate to a safer house with a close relative in another area.

The BACA team met with Shumaya’s parents on 13th December to offer legal support and stand in solidarity with them. The family said that meeting the team gave them a glimmer of hope, reassuring them that they are not alone in this fight and that justice for their daughter is still possible.

Saleem Masih, Shumaya’s father, said:

“I cannot stop thinking about what happened to my little girl. She is only six years old—how could anyone do this to her? My heart aches every time I imagine her suffering. I want the person who did this to her to face the full force of the law.”

Kalsoom Bibi, Shumaya’s mother, shared:

“I will never forget that moment. Muhammad Uzair fled when he saw us, but I found my daughter drenched in blood and screaming in pain. I held her in my arms and prayed she would be okay. I can never forgive him. All I want now is justice for my little Shumaya.”

Shumaya’s parents, Saleem and Kalsoom Masih, have five children: Alina (15), Hina (13), Laziya (11), Shumaya (6), and Danish (17). Once living peacefully in Jaranwala, the family now faces immense pressure and financial hardship after relocating due to threats from the perpetrator’s family. Saleem, a construction laborer, struggles to meet basic needs while seeking justice for his daughter.

“My innocent daughter has suffered a lot. I can never forgive the rapist,” Saleem Masih said.

“I don’t know how, but I want justice for my daughter.”

BACA is dedicated to supporting Shumaya’s family in their fight for justice. We are appealing for £2,000 to hire a solicitor to ensure that her attacker is held accountable. In addition, we aim to raise £1,200 to cover a safe house for one year, so the family can live securely while pursuing justice for young Shumaya.

Your support can make a life-changing difference. Donate here to stand with Shumaya and her family.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Associtaion, said:

“Shumaya Saleem, a six-year-old innocent girl, has suffered a horrific violation of her fundamental rights under Pakistani law. Her attacker has clearly breached Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which criminalizes rape, and the Protection of Children Act, 2018, which mandates safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It is imperative that the authorities act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrator to justice, provide protection for Shumaya and her family, and send a strong message that such crimes against children will not be tolerated in Pakistan. The safety and dignity of every girl in this country depend on it.”